An Outstanding Cover Letter

There is nothing that can compare to an outstanding cover letter. If you want to get an employer’s attention, you will need cover letter that demands their attention.

The cover letter is the first thing that an employer is going to read. It is the precursor to the resume. If the cover letter doesn’t command the attention of the reader right away, then you only have the resume left to do so. Sure, the resume will outline your educational and experiential background, but it doesn’t afford the flexibility of a cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter gives you an opportunity to tailor your credentials in a way that the resume does not. You are able to explain situations so that the employer understands why, for instance, you have a 2 year gap in your employment dates. You can expound on a specific skill set. You can outline a situation that shows the employer how accomplished you are. There is so much more that an outstanding cover letter can do.

Do not underestimate the importance of an outstanding cover letter.

Remember that a cover letter is short and to the point. If at all possible, keep the cover letter to one page. Keep it professional, but be sure to sell yourself, too.

To read more about cover letters, follow this link: Cover Letters

Other Interests

Recently, I had a question sent to me about including "other interests" on a resume. Should that section of the resume be included or excluded? The information was as follows:

Other Interests: Family, coaching youth sports, golf, fishing and hiking.

This is what I suggested he do:

The "Other Interests" portion of a resume is not necessary. In fact, it is the only aspect of your resume that I think someone might find something to nit-pick about. Why? Some people might worry that since you listed "Family" that you might be more focused on your family than your job. I admire that and I agree that you have your priorities straight if that's the case, however, some employers expect you to put the job first. You can put your family first without having to "warn" the employer that you are doing so. If a need arises that you have to make a choice between your family and your job, then you should get to make that choice, but don't let the prospective employer make it for you before you ever get a chance to interview for the job.

Does that make sense?

The other items don't need to be there either simply because they are possible reasons to exclude you more than they are possible reasons to include you. How can that be? What if the person screening your resume tried to play youth sports and failed miserably - or their father wasn't around for them? What if the resume screener went on a fishing trip once and fell out of the boat into deep water and it scared him/her so bad that fishing is now considered a hated hobby?

Don't give the prospective employer any reason to eliminate you. These things DO happen. It's crazy, but it's true.

So, now you know the answers, too. Don't give the employer a reason to exclude you. If you have this section on your resume, consider removing it. There is no sense in getting yourself taken out of contention for a job simply because someone else has a bias.

Carla Vaughan, Owner/Webmaster Professional-Resume-Example.com

Carla is the proud owner of Professional-Resume-Example.com, a web site devoted to assisting candidates in the job-search process. She holds a B.S. in Business from Southern Illinois University and has authored several books.

For more information about what to avoid when writing resumes, click here: Resume Do's and Don'ts